Editor, Gazette-Journal:
Virginia’s bird population has plummeted by more than 25 percent since 1970. The same is true across the U.S. Without birds and other pollinators that spread seeds and plants, we humans will find ourselves without plants (aka food!). There are many causes, including loss of habitat due to human development and climate change. What can be done?
I am convinced, in large part by the research and books of Professor Doug Tallamy (University of Delaware), that home gardeners can help save pollinators, humans and our planet by increasing our use of native plants.
Dr. Tallamy argues (and his research supports the argument) that loss of insects and pollinators due to reduced availability of native plants is one of the causes. Many bees, insects, butterflies and birds co-evolved with native plants and are dependent on specific native plants to thrive. The most widely-known relationship is the Monarch butterfly and its dependence on milkweed plants.
Two of Dr. Tallamy’s b...